what's next?

So I think it's time for me to finally share my thoughts on the events in Egypt, the revolution and it's aftermath.
Here we go...

I was a skeptic and still am a skeptic. What I see now is not what I think is best for Egypt and I will attempt to present my thoughts in the most logic way possible, but I'm not here to offer negativity but I'd like to be positive in this discussion.

First, the Jan 25th revolution was something unthinkable and unexpected. I'd never thought to see in my lifetime for Mubarak to be overthrown. He has been president for almost my entire life (give or take 1-2 yrs). Tahrir square turned into a symbol of a peaceful revolution that was initiated by youth who basically had enough and wanted positive change. During the days of the revolution, everyone seemed to come out, whether in Tahrir or in the Neighborhood watches to keep the safety during the absence of the police. The youth that Egypt thought was useless, became the crux of the revolution and proved that they were not useless. They had a voice that was raised in Tahrir and protected its citizens when the police retreated. This was victory and perhaps 'yes we can' change Egypt. Then Feb 11th with the departure of Mubarak handing over the country to the military...everyone is singing, dancing in the street filled with joy. I sat in the office just stunned and couldn't believe what just happened. Wow, power to the youth, but wait--Egypt is under MARTIAL LAW AND CONTROL NOW. This isnt the freedom they wanted...do they know this? I didnt bother really commenting because everyone was way to joyful. Egyptians in the streets of Astoria had a celebration in the street...

During the days of the revolution, I kept asking...what's next? What is the plan of the youth to move the country forward? I got no answers in discussions I had. The Egyptian Revolution had no leader. It's not like other revolutions in history where there was a clear group of people in charge--Egypt's own revolution in the 1950s with a group of military officers that overthrew the foreign installed monarchy. It was clear who was in charge then, but there was no clarity in this time around. Alarms went off in my mind.

So let me fast forward until now. There's a lot that has happened between 11 Feb and today 20 May....I won't even touch the issue Muslim/Christian relations/issues because that deserves its own post (still organizing my own thoughts). The Egyptian Army today is in charge...chants went from 'el sha3b wal geesh eid wahda' (people and army one hand) to chants against the army. Why? The solution today in Egypt if you dont like something, you protest. You go to Tahrir every Friday for a different theme, or Copts sit in front of the Egyptian State TV building in Maspero to chant for their rights. Three decades of Mubarak's rule put a lid on freedom of expression, so I can understand when people finally feel free to speak their minds and stand up for their beliefs...i have no problem with that, that's what brought down the regime in the first place and has attracted the attention of the interim government.

My question to the youth, what's next beyond the protests? There are ELECTIONS set for September. I think it's time for the youth who are constantly bashing any government whether it be their own or the US, Israel, Saudi or any other government they blame for their current woes, to act. It's great to protest, but go ask the average Egyptian who dont attend protests. You will hear about their economic, job, security issues. The revolution brought change, but I've spoken to so many people where they're concerned about how their business tanked. Go beyond Tahrir to the different governates, create your own party to show what your plan is for Egypt. Do public outreach, and most importantly listen. I've seen all over the social networks the lack of wanting to listen to others. Comments about Obama's Middle East Speech before he even gave it showed evidence of not wanting to listen. Obama's speech was to show the US understanding of the Middle East/North Africa; pre-election speech and an attempt to outreach the Arab world (which was rejected). The first step in any type of conflict resolution is to listen to the other side....perhaps they do have something to help and contribute to making Egypt a better country. Show the world that you can succeed in revolutions and also help move the country forward in all arenas. Yah I know...I don't live in Egypt. Egyptians abroad do support you and your cause, but honestly it's time to effectively organize and prepare for the next step. It would be unfair for a new government to be elected that is worse than the previous one....it's time to educate the uneducated, and most importantly listen to your fellow countrymen who appreciate your efforts to free them from a dictator. Continue to battle the injustices, but also look to the future...a future without effective planning and organizing can negate the efforts of freedom....